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Nursing home residents hospitalized due to medication error

Residents of Illinois may be shocked to hear that 9 percent of nursing homes in the state are cited for errors relating to medication. This can come as bad news for those who have loved ones in nursing care facilities. In fact, a recent news investigation of public records has uncovered some disturbing revelations regarding medication errors occurring in nursing homes throughout Illinois.

According to data from the Illinois Public Health Department, since 2011 over 380 residents of nursing homes suffered medication errors. These errors could take the form of providing a resident with the wrong type or wrong dosage of medication. Some of these errors sent residents to the hospital for treatment for difficulty breathing, low blood sugar and hallucinations. One resident had to undergo an amputation and two others lost their lives due to medication errors. In one case, a cancer victim did not receive the appropriate medication for an entire year. This allegedly caused the cancer to spread, resulting in the man's death. Citations for such errors could include fines or even the revocation of certification of such facilities.

Unfortunately instances of nursing negligence do occur that have the potential to injure or even kill a resident. This is especially devastating when a resident's family puts their trust in the employees of nursing home facilities to care for their elderly loved ones. However, victims of nursing medication errors may be able to hold the nursing home and its employees liable for their actions. By pursuing a negligence or wrongful death suit, victims and their families can seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of consortium, medical bills and in the case of a fatality, funeral and burial costs.

Those injured due to medical errors should make sure they understand all their legal rights. By doing so, they may be able to seek the financial recovery they need during a very difficult time.

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